Best Gift Ideas for Senior Citizens

Yeah, I know it’s only the beginning of October, but it’s time to begin at least THINKING about the holidays and, by extension, senior gift ideas.  And it’s my job to provide you with a list of gift ideas for the seniors in your life, especially if that senior is you…nothing wrong with purchasing a gift for yourself while shopping for others.  I do it all the time when I write a gift idea post…I’ll let you know which item I purchase for myself at the end of this post.

So, when thinking about gifts for seniors, the debate always centers on whether to get them something they want or something they need.  I’ve always been of the belief that the two can be combined.  For example, new walking/hiking shoes would fall into that category, especially if the pair in question haven’t been replaced since a Bush was in the White House.  Therefore, the following gift ideas are both practical and, to a certain degree, unnecessary or at least not vital for our survival.

Reminder Rosie is a personalized voice-controlled reminder system that eliminates the need for strings on fingers like those used by Uncle Billy in It’s a Wonderful Life.  Completely voice-activated, this low-tech alarm clock also permits anyone to record up to 25 reminders, by day, week or date, for the senior in your life.  Simply “wake” Rosie up with your voice and then record your reminder.  It can be used to remind anyone to take their meds, about upcoming appointments or to buy a holiday gift for mom or dad.  Learn more here: http://reminder-rosie.com/

Personalized gift baskets allow you to do just what the name implies…customize a gift basket for any senior on your gift list.  Got a golfer on that list, then design a golf themed gift basket.  How about an amateur artist?  The how about a basket full of paints and brushes?  Get the idea?  Then check out one DIY gift basket site here: https://www.designityourselfgiftbaskets.com/custom/gift-baskets/

Ergonomic kitchen items definitely fall under the category of useful gifts for the elderly.  These gadgets allow seniors with arthritis and other ailments to remain active in the kitchen and to feel comfortable eating at the dinner table with friends and family again.  From non-slip place mats to weighted silverware to bottle openers, this site has it all:  https://www.activeforever.com/shop-by-category-c-af/independent-living/kitchen-aids?p=2&limit=12&start=1&savestate=1

Lap desks allow the elderly with mobility issues to remain in their favorite chair (so long as it doesn’t look as bad as Archie Bunker’s) and write letters, read, eat, work on a laptop, etc.  Warning: they tend to disappear and end up in the laps of other family members, so do yourself a favor and find one you like here: http://nymag.com/strategist/article/best-lap-desks.html

Fleece or microfiber blankets and throws are one of the best gift ideas for older parents or any senior citizen on your list, especially during the holiday season.  It’s a generally accepted fact that the elderly tend to be chilly while younger folks are quite comfortable and this gift idea solves that problem.  Check out a wide variety here: https://www.wayfair.com/bed-bath/sb1/fleece-microfiber-blankets-throws-c415002-a18802~282399.html

Home delivered meal packages ensure that seniors who, for whatever reason, don’t like to cook, get healthy and delicious meals delivered to their door on a regular and recurring basis.  And these meals can be tailored to meet their nutritional and medical needs.  Make your meal selections and order them here: https://www.magickitchen.com/

There you have it, a variety of gift ideas for seniors.  Choose the one that best fits the needs of the senior on your list and remember, it’s never too early to think about holiday gift giving ideas.  Oh yeah, the gift I purchased for myself while researching this article…I couldn’t resist buying an electric Sherpa microfiber blanket with the cold winter months on the way and I got one for my wife so we’re not fighting over it come January.